Missing Irish teen: Police dismiss kidnap claim

Police have dismissed claims by foreign media that Irish teenager Nora Anne Quoirin who went missing from The Dusun Rainforest Resort in Nilai early yesterday morning had been kidnapped.

Negeri Sembilan police chief Mohamad Mat Yusop said no criminal element had been detected to date, and that it is still being classified as a missing person case.

"We also believe that the victim is still somewhere in the area, hence why our assets, such as the General Operations Force, helicopters, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) are focused here," he told a media conference in Nilai today.

Mohamad urged the public not to exaggerate in spreading information about the case. 

"If they do have authentic information, use the proper channel and don't spread it indiscriminately, as the foreign media may unwittingly pick and use it.

"We can take action against them for spreading false information," he warned.

Mohamad said the search-and-rescue operation at the resort was still continuing.

"Tomorrow, we expect to increase our personnel and search the area that we had covered this morning, as well as the expanse below towards the beach," he said.

Media covered the case of the missing 15-year-old Irish girl yesterday following a report lodged by her family who became aware of her disappearance from her room around 8am. 

According to the family, the teenager has learning disabilities.

- Bernama